By Jerry Strahan

Potential for a major ice storm along the I 20 corridor all of Webster Parish and North Louisiana is growing. 

A powerful cold front will enter our area on Friday evening and temperatures will plummet some 20 degrees below normal. 

The Euro ensemble and GFS models are agreeing with the development of a severe ice storm. The precipitation should start out as rain and switch over to snow and freezing rain. There is  distinct possibility of 1 to 2 inches of ice that could lead to power outages, lines and trees down, roads, highways and interstates closed, as well as schools.

Ice build-up on roofs of buildings, homes barns might lead to structural issues. 

Have a plan with your outside animals to be safe. Stock up on food and water and go to your pharmacy and get your medications. 

Let’s hope, that we will escape the the worst of the storm but, we need to be prepared.

(Jerry Strahan was a first responder in fire and emergency services for almost 45 years. He lives in north Webster Parish and has written weather articles for other publications.)